Organic Gardening – Plant Support

Having started a good soil management programme, the next level of support for plants is above ground.

Location

Apart from general geographic climate, most gardens have individual micro-climates. In colder areas, a sheltered north-facing slope has an advantage over general conditions and in warmer areas, a shaded, exposed south facing slope is at a disadvantage. And while dips and valleys offer shelter from winds, they can also trap frost. This affects general garden plans and specific plant choice. Take the time to look at the big picture and long time frames as you plan your garden.

Shelter

Most plants need shelter from prevailing winds, frost, excessive sun and rain. A garden may need permanent general shelter such as solid fences, or even particular plant shelters such as cold frames/greenhouses. Wherever possible incorporate living shelter in the form of trees and shrubs as this adds to the biodiversity of the garden.

Biodiversity

A wide variety of plants and animals in their natural environment is an essential organic gardening principle. Planting many varieties and species has many benefits including:

Extending cropping seasons

Attracting beneficial insects by providing food and habitat

Providing a variety of compost and mulch material

Assisting pest control by attracting predators and making target plants harder to find

Helping prevent disease build-up and spread

And it’s aesthetically pleasing

The Right Plants

No matter what else you do right in the organic garden, if you put in the wrong plants you will have problems. Choose the right plant:

Water

Water is an increasingly precious resource, it’s conservation is vital. Climate change is now making it hard to predict weather patterns, and traditional wet and dry seasons can’t be relied on. Take water needs into account at every step of your gardening career:

Where possible choose drought-resistant plants. This is more likely to apply to shelter and ornamental plants, but don’t try and grow heaps of thirsty crops in an already dry climate – at least try and create a micro-climate.